Routledge Descartes and the Autonomy of the Human Understanding

Explore the profound shift from medieval thought to modern philosophy with this scholarly work from the Harvard Dissertations in Philosophy series. Originally published in 1990 by Routledge, this volume examines how Descartes changed the way we perceive human understanding. By analyzing the connections and differences between Descartes' views and high scholasticism, the text identifies two distinct ways the understanding becomes autonomous. This study provides a clear look at the origins of the core concerns that define modern philosophy and distinguish it from its medieval predecessors. It is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in the history of Western philosophy and the development of modern thought.